Model EU Simulation Event

On June 9 and 10, a group of nine History students attended the Model EU at Canterbury University. Run annually this was the 10th iteration of this event and attracted over 130 students from schools all over the country.

This year’s theme was “News, Fake News and No News,” and was centred around the freedom of expression and information in the EU. Ahead of the event, each student was assigned a country to represent. They were also given a homework task of researching what their assigned country’s position was on freedom of expression (including freedom and pluralism of the media.)

During the event, the students listened to a number of key note speakers that included Nina Obermaier, the EU Ambassador to New Zealand. They were then placed into councils that looked at draft sub-directives that would later be voted on by the whole of the Model EU. During this time they had the chance to amend and discuss the various clauses of their council’s sub-directive.

On the final afternoon of the simulation event, all of the students came together in a Plenary Session that initially involved debate and voting on the various sub-directives, before a final vote on the overall directive was conducted. This session involved some hearty debate and showcased some of the amazing talents of the various students in attendance.

Each of our boys represented the school well and involved themselves fully in the discussions over the two days. James Whelan, one of our year 11 students deserves a special mention as he was voted the top delegate in the council that he participated in.

This was a great opportunity for each of the Boys’ High delegates and they all walked away from the event having had a great experience. Our delegates were: James Whelan, Kyan Morrison, Will Neale, Sam Philip, Lloyd Smith and Riley Tammett – all year 11 and Mitchell Perrim, Tom Baddeley and Jack Hobern – all year 13.

Thanks to the National Centre for Research on Europe and the University of Canterbury, for hosting this event.